Everton have completed the signing of Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, the Black Cats have announced this evening.

The 23-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the Goodison Park club, joining in a deal worth £30 million - a British record for a goalkeeper.

Everton will pay Sunderland £25 million up front, with the figure set to rise based on individual and team performances.

Pickford had a stellar season while playing in a dismal Sunderland side and was nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

He had been a target for a number of clubs but it was Everton who sealed his signature.

The 23-year-old is delighted with the move and told Everton's club website that he cannot wait to play for a 'massive club'.

“It’s a great club, a massive club and I think it’s a great opportunity and the right time for me to come to Everton and show what I can do.

Jordan Pickford (Image: PA)

“This is an exciting time for the Club and for me, too, with the ambition being shown. I just want to be the best I can be to help," Pickford told Everton's official website.

“I know Mason (Holgate – his England Under-21 teammate) and a few of the other lads at Everton from younger age groups and the Club’s only going forward, so it’s the best thing I can be doing.

“I remember playing (at Everton) on my first game back from injury last season for Sunderland. When I came out for the second half the fans gave me a clap and applauded then so I can’t wait to get out there on the pitch at Goodison.

Read More

“I’ve just got to show people what I can do, keep training and working hard and when it comes to game day, produce what I can do - making match-winning saves, showing what my distribution is like and making the right saves at the right times.

Pickford is also looking forward to his first taste of European football, as Everton gear up for the 2017/18 Europa League.

“It will be a great experience, (with me) only being young, but it’s another test for me and I feel ready for it,” added the shot-stopper. “The Europa League will be a big tournament, as well.

“I’ve got the Under-21s tournament now, which is massive for me and the group of lads I’m with. Hopefully I can be the best I can be and it can put me in good stead for next season to try to get into the senior team.”

Jordan Pickford (Image: Getty Images Europe)

Everton manager Ronald Koeman believes Pickford will prove to be an important signing for the Toffees.

“I’m really pleased we’ve made what I'm sure will be a significant signing for Everton Football Club,” said the Dutchman.

Read More

“Jordan is a very talented young professional who also has a real hunger for success, and that's important for us as we now look to make further progress in the seasons ahead.

“We've seen the quality he has through his performances in the Premier League last season and, given his young age, we're sure he will get even better. I’m looking forward to welcoming Jordan to the group next month and wish him every success with the England Under-21 squad in Poland.”

Read More

Pickford was one of the brightest talents to come through Sunderland's academy and Black Cats CEO Martin Bain is proud of the legacy he will leave behind at the Stadium of Light.

He told safc.com: “Our aim is to produce more players of the calibre of Jordan in the future. His development is testament to our Academy set up and its hard-working staff, past and present, who identified and nurtured his exceptional talent.

“Everyone at Sunderland wishes Jordan every success in the next stage of his career, which we will follow keenly”.